Overland Express – building the ultimate family 4WD

My UK-bought, 2007 fourth-generation Mitsubishi Shogun (aka Pajero) has seen ample off-road action at home in New Zealand, as well as touring in a growing list of countries worldwide.

In this article I will overview how I took this vehicle from stock standard through to its present extensively prepared form, serving as an inspiration – I hope – to anyone setting up their own 4WD as an overland tourer.

I want to make clear from the outset, too, that I regard this as a ‘family-friendly’ overland vehicle build. It goes without saying that any 4WD project includes modifications and enhancements aimed at increasing the off-road capability of the base vehicle. Here, though, you’ll see that an equal development focus has been applied to ensuring that the vehicle is as liveable for long-term overland touring as it is capable.

My family has toured for months at a time with this vehicle overseas and our current family expedition, now underway across Central Asia, will be our biggest adventure yet; measured by each of distance, time and level of preparation required. So, whether in a remote spot in New Zealand, or travelling through a less developed country, our overnight stops when